Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Sacramento is 81% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,694/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 46%
$83,753/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 21%
$484,600 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 44%
$1,752/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 43%
524,802
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $778/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $9,336/year.

Median household income is $17,724/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Fargo — common questions

Is Sacramento or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Fargo?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $778/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Fargo?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $17,724/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and North Dakota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

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